BY MARCO SELORIO -Local Sydney basketball star Krenz Carlos has a dream.
The 27-year old Filipino-Australian baller from Dean Park in West Sydney will be applying for the PBA Basketball Draft this year.
His goal is to hopefully get drafted by any one of the twelve teams in the Philippines’ number one pay-for-play basketball league.
Carlos has been playing hoops for fifteen years, and all this time he dreams of becoming a professional basketball player. The moment has arrived for him to try his luck.
He is realistic about his chances. Should he fail to get drafted, he will explore try outs and free agency. But first thing’s first, Carlos is preparing for the biggest challenge of his life.
Born in San Fernando, Pampanga, his parents Nestorino and Maria uprooted their family in 1995 to migrate to Australia. At age 12, his dad showed him the ropes and taught him how to play the game properly. He found his passion.
With two other younger brothers, Kharl and Khenn, playing in the backyard or at the school playground was always ultra competitive.
“It’s all love. My brothers are the best, but they were all so intense. Kharl’s a better shooter, but I can lock him down,” said Carlos.
As he began to find his own identity and style, Carlos showed off his potential. In his junior years, Carlos honed his craft for local clubs Norths, Penrith and Hills. At present, he plays for Savannah Pride and Australian ABA club Penrith Panthers.
He has molded his game as a two-way player, with the ability to switch from shooting guard to small forward. At 6’2”, Carlos has the length to cover both guard positions and the strength to match up with more athletic forwards.
A self-confessed New York Knicks fan, Carlos is a big Allan Houston and CJ McCollum fan, he is also inspired by PBA star Alex Cabagnot’s style.
He had a taste of what’s it like to play overseas. Last season, Carlos traveled back to the Philippines to play for Valenzuela Classic, a team that operates under Manny Pacquiao’s Maharlika (MPBL) league. It was an eye-opening experience and he wants more.
He is excited at the prospect of realizing his dream. He is ready to take his game to another level and hopefully help a team win championships.
Carlos brings a certain intensity on the court, shooting ability, tough defense and high IQ.
“I love to win and play any kind of role to make that happen. I am the boring guy on the team that does the dirty work. I can play on and off the ball, I can handle the rock and I love playing the game. It makes me whole.”
He can see himself playing for any PBA club like TNT, Ginebra, Alaska, NLEX, Magnolia, Blackwater or Columbian that needs high energy and support for their stars.
“Of course, any club in the PBA that drafts me would be a blessing,” added Carlos.
With that kind of winning attitude, Carlos is certain to get looks from PBA executives and talent scouts. He is planning to attend the PBA Combine to showcase his unique skillset.
Carlos has circled December 8 on his calendar. It’s a date with destiny.
Whatever happens, he knows he can back himself and let his game do all the talking. Take a chance on Carlos, you might just find a diamond in the rough